Vote goes against foes of rail plan

September 27, 2008

Legislation intended to tighten the rules on railroad mergers fell short of approval in the U.S. House today, dealing a blow to opponents of the Canadian National Railway's plan to re-route more freight trains through dozens of outlying suburbs.

Several suburban members of Congress had hoped the measure would help thwart the CN's plans to acquire the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway, but they could not muster enough support.

The measure gained a majority vote, 243-175, but under special fast-track rules in effect Saturday, a two-thirds majority was needed for approval.

The measure now goes back to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which approved it Tuesday.